AZ AG cracks down on smoke shops accused of selling vaping products to minors

PHOENIX — Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes announced Tuesday that she has filed lawsuits against two Valley smoke shop businesses, seeking to permanently shut them down for allegedly selling vaping materials to underage customers.

The lawsuits target the  New York Smoke Shop in Chandler and the three Pro Source outlets, accusing them of repeatedly violating state law by selling vape and tobacco products to minors. 

Mayes, who described herself as the first mother to serve as Arizona’s attorney general, said she is seeking what she calls the “death penalty” for these businesses.

“You do this and you’re not going to exist in the state of Arizona anymore,” Mayes said at a news conference. “These are two companies that are very bad actors.”

The legal action represents a significant escalation in Arizona’s efforts to combat underage vaping, with Mayes using her prosecutorial powers to potentially eliminate businesses she claims are contributing to the problem.

Mayes, the mother of a middle schooler herself, says she has heard “horror stories” from parents about children becoming addicted to vaping products.

“You can talk to any mom or dad in the state of Arizona who has a middle schooler,” she said. “This stuff is clearly being marketed to our kids and this is against the law in Arizona.”

Each lawsuit seeks $10,000 per violation, with the potential for the businesses to be permanently closed if successful. 

The cases are part of a broader crackdown on youth vaping that has gained momentum at both state and federal levels.

Arizona recently passed legislation that will raise the legal age to purchase tobacco and vaping products from 18 to 21, bringing state law in line with federal requirements. The new law takes effect in September.

The issue has also drawn attention in Washington, D.C., where the U.S. Senate has held hearings on youth vaping. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has taken steps to block sweet-flavored vapes that appear to target young consumers.

Owners of the Phoenix-area businesses named in the lawsuits did not respond to requests for comment.

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